Steve Bennett: An Appreciation

Subject: RE: Steve Bennett: An Appreciation
From: Chet W.
Date: 19 Jul 99 - 06:43 PM

GOOD NEWS! Steve has recovered his grandpa's kaluktuk (guitar-like instrument). Sure enough, it was hanging on a wall, screwed in, in a Chili's restaurant in Montgomery. But all is not well, because now he is being investigated for possessing whale parts (the instrument's neck) in the US. He'll be able to keep it, I'm sure, but he'll have to go a long way to prove his right to it (heritage, ethnicity, etc.) I'm sorry I don't have the means to post a picture of it, or of Steve for that matter, and I'm pretty sure he has no website, modesty being one of his many obsessions. I'll see what I can do about providing more info.

Chet

Subject: RE: Steve Bennett: An Appreciation
From: Night Owl
Date: 18 Jul 99 - 02:01 PM

Upsetting...to say the least. The bond between Steve and this instrument is truly unique and it IS irreplaceable ONLY to him. I'm sure Steve has pictures of it...can you post a picture on bbc's Mudcat's photo site so we know what to look for?

Subject: RE: Steve Bennett: An Appreciation
From: Chet W.
Date: 18 Jul 99 - 10:34 AM

NEWS ALERT! Steve's guitar-like Alaskan instrument has been stolen! If anyone sees it please let me know here or by e-mail. It is shaped sort of like half of a kayak, with a whale-rib neck and strings made of an organic material, probably gut. It was taken while Steve was loading in his equipment at a free concert he was doing for the South Carolina Commission on the Unfortunate here in Columbia. This guy doesn't deserve a knock like this and the thing will probably end up as a wall decoration anyway, maybe at a chain restaurant. Thanks in advance for any help.

Chet

Subject: RE: Steve Bennett: An Appreciation
From: Night Owl
Date: 18 Jul 99 - 10:13 AM

Chet...I doublechecked and I am remembering correctly. This man is an AMAZING musician/singer with a deep commitment to his music and its history. I was fortunate to hear him perform at a small coffeehouse in New Bedford, Ma. a couple years ago. He held us in the palm of his hand during his entire time on stage (and off). What a NICE human being and a gentle spirit.!! I had thought I was tired of hearing "Amazing Grace" until he played it on that instrument. I think the "tears" in our eyes was not only because of his extraordinary musicianship, but also our reaction to the personal compassion and understanding he brings to the music. Anyone here looking to book a QUALITY "act" would do well to have him come. His successful efforts to learn to play that old guitar-like instrument commands respect on its own. Does he have a website? Can you find out what the instrument is called...and its history? I think his efforts and his story about the instrument are well worth repeating in this forum. (I am surprised there is not more of a response from other Mudcatters to this thread.) Regardless, thanks for the thread and reminding me Chet.

Subject: RE: Steve Bennett: An Appreciation
From: Chet W.
Date: 17 Jul 99 - 01:56 PM

You know, Owl, Steve has never told me that story, although I do believe I have seen the instrument you describe in his home and I know he does have roots up there. One of Steve's major traits is modesty. And, his version of Amazing Grace usually comes at the end of all of the sessions he attends around here. It has brought a tear to many an eye. Don't know if he still does it on tour though.

Chet

Subject: RE: Steve Bennett: An Appreciation
From: Night Owl
Date: 17 Jul 99 - 01:32 AM

Chet...please forgive my ignorance, but this name is ringing a bell and I'm not sure if my memory is accurate. Did he rescue his grandfather's guitar-like instrument from a museum in Alaska?? If he's the same one, I've never heard a more beautiful rendition of "Amazing Grace".

Subject: RE: Steve Bennett: An Appreciation
From: Chet W.
Date: 17 Jul 99 - 01:20 AM

Steve was recently involved in a bit of a scandal involving copyright violation. He is innocent, as the songs he was playing at the time were all public domain, but ASCAP claimed some of them were theirs. Send him your support.

Chet

Subject: Steve Bennett: An Appreciation
From: Chet W.
Date: 15 Jul 99 - 08:24 PM

We have here in the midlands of South Carolina a player of Irish music on many instruments that is probably better known outside the state than in. He has inspired us all over the years with his relentless quest for nothing short of perfection, and has won several awards along the way. I'm proud to call him my friend, and I look forward to many years of music at his side.

Chet